Uranium is the primary fuel for nuclear energy, critical for sustainable, carbon-neutral energy transitions. However, limited terrestrial resources and environmental risks from uranium contamination require innovative immobilization and recovery solutions. In this work, we present a novel uranium recovery method using programmable electroactive living materials (ELMs). Utilizing Shewanella oneidensis, this approach leverages the intrinsic extracellular electron transfer capability of exoelectrogenic species, combining their adaptability and programmability with the robustness of engineered multicellular systems. These exoelectrogenic cells were endowed to selectively capture and enhance U(VI) reduction by expressing uranyl-binding proteins, coupled with a reconfigured transmembrane Mtr electron nanoconduit. By incorporating biofilm-promoting circuits, we improved cell-to-cell interactions and biofilm formation, enabling the stable assembly of ELMs with robust structural integrity. The ELMs demonstrated superior electrogenic activity, achieving a 3.30-fold increase in current density and a 3.15-fold increase in voltage output compared to controls in microbial electrochemical and fuel cells. When applied for uranium recovery, the ELMs exhibited robust U(VI) capture, reduction, and accumulation capabilities, with a maximum capacity of 808.42 μmol/g. This work not only provides a versatile and environmentally friendly solution for uranium recovery, but also highlights the potential of ELMs in sustainable environmental and energy technologies.

中文翻译：

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设计可编程电活性生物材料，实现高效的铀捕获和积累


铀是核能的主要燃料，对于可持续的碳中和能源转型至关重要。然而，有限的陆地资源和铀污染带来的环境风险需要创新的固定和回收解决方案。在这项工作中，我们提出了一种使用可编程电活性生命材料 （ELM） 的新型铀回收方法。利用 Shewanella oneidensis，这种方法利用了外电物种固有的细胞外电子转移能力，将它们的适应性和可编程性与工程多细胞系统的稳健性相结合。这些外电细胞通过表达铀酰结合蛋白与重新配置的跨膜 Mtr 电子纳米导管相结合，选择性地捕获和增强 U（VI） 还原。通过结合生物膜促进回路，我们改善了细胞间相互作用和生物膜形成，使 ELM 能够稳定组装，具有强大的结构完整性。ELM 表现出卓越的电生活性，与微生物电化学和燃料电池中的对照相比，电流密度增加了 3.30 倍，电压输出增加了 3.15 倍。当用于铀回收时，ELM 表现出强大的 U（VI） 捕获、还原和积累能力，最大容量为 808.42 μmol/g。这项工作不仅为铀回收提供了一种多功能且环保的解决方案，还突出了 ELM 在可持续环境和能源技术方面的潜力。